Location: Qantas Club at Mudgee International Airport
Funds not needed for pantos might be helpful for R766 
8606 & 4615
SinickleBird
Chief Train Controller
Location: Qantas Club at Mudgee International Airport
lkernan
Deputy Commissioner
Location: Melbourne
Funds not needed for pantos might be helpful for R766
Not treating the railfan community with contempt might be more helpful for R766.
SydneyCider
Chief Train Controller
I guess they may be keeping the funding pages open to try and decrease costs with whatever may be donated. Not much is known about the SETS group though and the announcement kind of came out of nowhere, hence why more people are hesitant to donate. Another post on facebook showing 4615 and 8606 inside the former Lithgow Loco Depot.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWRailwaysPastandPresent/permalink/2545143928844738/
As far as I'm aware the former Lithgow Loco depot is now owned/part of Pacific National? If so I guess that may explain the move to hire them (8230) to haul the trains there from Junee. Interesting if it is PN or some 3rd party though that is working on the locos in terms of testing/work/any repairs, etc?
Looks like the rumours may be true after all that they are required by Sydney Trains, specifically for some underground work. Noticed yesterday that the Transport Heritage NSW facebook page "liked" the SETS facebook page. I don't think anyone would be against there being a good relationship between SETS, THNSW and Sydney Trains. If these 2 locos are able to "earn their keep" while also perhaps helping the other 2 locos in their collection such as 8501 and 4627 have a better future, it's a win for all involved, including those who want to get tickets and enjoy some trips behind these locos, if they become available for this purpose.
On a side note, someone else on the NSWRPandP facebook page noted that 8649 (at werris creek with 8501) had recently changed ownership and that it would be eventually revealed who that person is. 8649 is apparently ex El Zorro, but unlike the other 2 ex El Zorro locos 8609 and 8622 was not scrapped.
Seems like some interesting developments on the electric side of things. I had always hoped the return of electric set F1 may be a catalyst for further vintage electrics returning to service, including the locos - even though these electrics being re-activated was largely due to necessity of some kind of underground work.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWRailwaysPastandPresent/permalink/2545143928844738/
As far as I'm aware the former Lithgow Loco depot is now owned/part of Pacific National? If so I guess that may explain the move to hire them (8230) to haul the trains there from Junee. Interesting if it is PN or some 3rd party though that is working on the locos in terms of testing/work/any repairs, etc?
Looks like the rumours may be true after all that they are required by Sydney Trains, specifically for some underground work. Noticed yesterday that the Transport Heritage NSW facebook page "liked" the SETS facebook page. I don't think anyone would be against there being a good relationship between SETS, THNSW and Sydney Trains. If these 2 locos are able to "earn their keep" while also perhaps helping the other 2 locos in their collection such as 8501 and 4627 have a better future, it's a win for all involved, including those who want to get tickets and enjoy some trips behind these locos, if they become available for this purpose.
On a side note, someone else on the NSWRPandP facebook page noted that 8649 (at werris creek with 8501) had recently changed ownership and that it would be eventually revealed who that person is. 8649 is apparently ex El Zorro, but unlike the other 2 ex El Zorro locos 8609 and 8622 was not scrapped.
Seems like some interesting developments on the electric side of things. I had always hoped the return of electric set F1 may be a catalyst for further vintage electrics returning to service, including the locos - even though these electrics being re-activated was largely due to necessity of some kind of underground work.
nswtrains
Chief Commissioner
I guess they may be keeping the funding pages open to try and decrease costs with whatever may be donated. Not much is known about the SETS group though and the announcement kind of came out of nowhere, hence why more people are hesitant to donate. Another post on facebook showing 4615 and 8606 inside the former Lithgow Loco Depot.Actually at the State Mines workshop Lithgow.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWRailwaysPastandPresent/permalink/2545143928844738/
As far as I'm aware the former Lithgow Loco depot is now owned/part of Pacific National? If so I guess that may explain the move to hire them (8230) to haul the trains there from Junee. Interesting if it is PN or some 3rd party though that is working on the locos in terms of testing/work/any repairs, etc?
Looks like the rumours may be true after all that they are required by Sydney Trains, specifically for some underground work. Noticed yesterday that the Transport Heritage NSW facebook page "liked" the SETS facebook page. I don't think anyone would be against there being a good relationship between SETS, THNSW and Sydney Trains. If these 2 locos are able to "earn their keep" while also perhaps helping the other 2 locos in their collection such as 8501 and 4627 have a better future, it's a win for all involved, including those who want to get tickets and enjoy some trips behind these locos, if they become available for this purpose.
On a side note, someone else on the NSWRPandP facebook page noted that 8649 (at werris creek with 8501) had recently changed ownership and that it would be eventually revealed who that person is. 8649 is apparently ex El Zorro, but unlike the other 2 ex El Zorro locos 8609 and 8622 was not scrapped.
Seems like some interesting developments on the electric side of things. I had always hoped the return of electric set F1 may be a catalyst for further vintage electrics returning to service, including the locos - even though these electrics being re-activated was largely due to necessity of some kind of underground work.
SydneyCider
Chief Train Controller
These photos were posted back on July 10, 2018 when it seems there was some testing going on with 8606...looks like things didn't all go well
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCu2w5h0i1/?hl=en&tagged=lithgow
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCvE2dhy1l/?hl=en&tagged=8606
This was a shot of 4615 taken July 11, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlEPxivgD1q/?hl=en&tagged=lithgow
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCu2w5h0i1/?hl=en&tagged=lithgow
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCvE2dhy1l/?hl=en&tagged=8606
This was a shot of 4615 taken July 11, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlEPxivgD1q/?hl=en&tagged=lithgow
mikesyd
Chief Commissioner
Location: Lurking
Yes, seems like 8606 didn't take well to feeling a few volts. Hope it didn't do too much damage.
lkernan
Deputy Commissioner
Location: Melbourne
These photos were posted back on July 10, 2018 when it seems there was some testing going on with 8606...looks like things didn't all go well
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCu2w5h0i1/?hl=en&tagged=lithgow
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCvE2dhy1l/?hl=en&tagged=8606
This was a shot of 4615 taken July 11, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlEPxivgD1q/?hl=en&tagged=lithgow
Rule number 1 in electronics. Don't let the smoke out.
s_walker
Locomotive Driver
Being converted to a hybrid to also use coal or diesel as a source of power?These photos were posted back on July 10, 2018 when it seems there was some testing going on with 8606...looks like things didn't all go well
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCu2w5h0i1/?hl=en&tagged=lithgow
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCvE2dhy1l/?hl=en&tagged=8606
This was a shot of 4615 taken July 11, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlEPxivgD1q/?hl=en&tagged=lithgow
Rule number 1 in electronics. Don't let the smoke out.
jcouch
Assistant Commissioner
Location: Asleep on a commuter train
Yes, seems like 8606 didn't take well to feeling a few volts. Hope it didn't do too much damage.Black wire to + terminal, red wire to - terminal, right?
That's a sad sight to see. Looks expensive!
GeoffreyHansen
Minister for Railways
Location: In a FAM sleeper
A bit off topic but where is 4639 now?
steve_w_1990
Junior Train Controller
Location: Trying to fix something on the PTA Network
A bit off topic but where is 4639 now?4639 was cut up.
4638 is the preserved electric locomotive that used to reside at Thirlmere and is now in storage at Broadmeadow I believe.
SydneyCider
Chief Train Controller
4638 is stored outside (from what I last saw of aerial shots via google earth) with 7100 at Broadmeadow Loco Depot. 8646 is still at the NSWRM Thirlmere. These are the 3 officially retained heritage electric locos as part of the state collection / THNSW which means if they were operational, the friendly Sydney Trains/THNSW relationship means that Sydney Trains (ST) would have access to these 3. 4601 is at Valley Heights and ST would probably have access to it too given that the Valley Heights Locomotive Museum are the blue mountains arm of THNSW.
As has been mentioned though the regulatory framework now means you need to have an agreement/contract with ST to be able to run electric locos/trains. With the electrics it is also hard in that they need to be kept "on the air" for certain periods before use. It's good in that it appears that there is one or more individuals near or at the top of the food chain within ST that is pro heritage electric trains and for all those who played a part it making the return of vintage electrics a reality and broke that seemingly indefinite limbo. I doubt anyone would have any objection to (hopefully) at some point in the future to see the mighty Garratt 6029 at one end and a 46 on the other - the largest and most powerful steam locomotive in Australia with the most powerful locomotive in Australia (for many years) at the other end - both "children" of the 1950's.
Those photos posted of 8606 around a month ago now are the last that I've come across posted so hopefully nothing has gone horribly wrong.
As has been mentioned though the regulatory framework now means you need to have an agreement/contract with ST to be able to run electric locos/trains. With the electrics it is also hard in that they need to be kept "on the air" for certain periods before use. It's good in that it appears that there is one or more individuals near or at the top of the food chain within ST that is pro heritage electric trains and for all those who played a part it making the return of vintage electrics a reality and broke that seemingly indefinite limbo. I doubt anyone would have any objection to (hopefully) at some point in the future to see the mighty Garratt 6029 at one end and a 46 on the other - the largest and most powerful steam locomotive in Australia with the most powerful locomotive in Australia (for many years) at the other end - both "children" of the 1950's.
Those photos posted of 8606 around a month ago now are the last that I've come across posted so hopefully nothing has gone horribly wrong.
ivahri
Train Controller
I was always taught that when you test high voltage motors that you use a variac, or some other form of current limited device so that you can bring the voltage up slowly in case of a wiring or component fault. Was that how they tested electric locomotives in service?
Richard
Richard
fzr560
Chief Train Controller
That was just the rats leaving for more suitable lodgings.These photos were posted back on July 10, 2018 when it seems there was some testing going on with 8606...looks like things didn't all go well
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCu2w5h0i1/?hl=en&tagged=lithgow
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlCvE2dhy1l/?hl=en&tagged=8606
This was a shot of 4615 taken July 11, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlEPxivgD1q/?hl=en&tagged=lithgow
Rule number 1 in electronics. Don't let the smoke out.
4206
Chief Commissioner
Location: Dorrigo yard
Apparently 8606 is running trials to Mt Victoria today
SydneyCider
Chief Train Controller
Here's a facebook post October 25, 2018 of 8606 officially running under it's own power on the mainline. They've credited a lot of different groups with this project including Pacific National, Sydney Trains, Transport for NSW and various others.
https://www.facebook.com/setsAU/photos/a.617082005058679/1629569553809914/
Wish them all the best with this, hopefully it all goes well. There was a comment by SETS that they aim to have 4615 operational early next year. Hopefully these 2 locos may also help pave a better future for 8501 and 4627 down the track, which are also part of their collection. Even though they don't post much to their facebook page there was a huge avalanche of likes and new followers.
I guess another interesting question, is 8606 now the most powerful operational historic/preserved locomotive in Australia?
https://www.facebook.com/setsAU/photos/a.617082005058679/1629569553809914/
Wish them all the best with this, hopefully it all goes well. There was a comment by SETS that they aim to have 4615 operational early next year. Hopefully these 2 locos may also help pave a better future for 8501 and 4627 down the track, which are also part of their collection. Even though they don't post much to their facebook page there was a huge avalanche of likes and new followers.
I guess another interesting question, is 8606 now the most powerful operational historic/preserved locomotive in Australia?
SydneyCider
Chief Train Controller
8606 departed Lithgow today (Sat 27 October 2018) for Sydney, supposedly someone mentioned it's heading for Clyde Yards. This will be the first time there will be an operational 86 class amongst Waratah trains and probably Oscars. Hopefully someone in the area will be able to get some photos and videos of this.
SETS facebook page post. At the time of writing it is nearing Blacktown
https://www.facebook.com/setsAU/photos/a.617082005058679/1631837606916442/
SETS facebook page post. At the time of writing it is nearing Blacktown
https://www.facebook.com/setsAU/photos/a.617082005058679/1631837606916442/
SydneyCider
Chief Train Controller
Video credit to Sydney Trains vlogs. From 07:40 you see 8606 pass through Penrith light engine. From my memory of 86's and other video's I've seen I always remember them with that rather loud vacuum cleaner like sound to them, didn't hear it here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAkDJm3avkI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAkDJm3avkI
Junction box
Chief Commissioner
Location: newy
Maybe the fan roar cuts in when they get hot, still great to see one back.
Used to have the shunting neck at Enfield stacked with these waiting for their engine change.
Used to have the shunting neck at Enfield stacked with these waiting for their engine change.
SydneyCider
Chief Train Controller
Two great shots which are worth sharing taken during 8606's first service duties on the night of 29 October 2018 after re-activation. Credit to the respective photographers.
Photo by Greg Wotton
https://www.flickr.com/photos/greggles3265/31751720628/
Photo by Trent Nicholson
https://www.flickr.com/photos/raichase/45576430432/
Photo by Greg Wotton
https://www.flickr.com/photos/greggles3265/31751720628/
Photo by Trent Nicholson
https://www.flickr.com/photos/raichase/45576430432/
SydneyCider
Chief Train Controller
Great bit of footage posted by vernstar worth sharing of 8606 hauling the robel rail train through the UP main at Ashfield amongst Waratahs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_A8dbn6vRI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_A8dbn6vRI
gordon_s1942
Chief Commissioner
Location: Central Tablelands of NSW
Just so long as everyone knows it is an 86 class on the front and that it needs wire to tun under.
When I worked at Coal Stage Lithgow back in the early 80's we asked the signalman at Mt Victoria to tell us when they were the Train engine because it was impossible to tell an 86 class head on from the 80 class diesels and send it down an unwired road.
Years later they wired a couple of sections but now I would guess they have been removed as there was no Electric engines hauling freight.
When I worked at Coal Stage Lithgow back in the early 80's we asked the signalman at Mt Victoria to tell us when they were the Train engine because it was impossible to tell an 86 class head on from the 80 class diesels and send it down an unwired road.
Years later they wired a couple of sections but now I would guess they have been removed as there was no Electric engines hauling freight.
BDA
Chief Commissioner
Location: Sydney
You may be thinking 85s because they looked a bit like an 80 , sort of , and were painted similar colours .
2LaGrange
Train Controller
Was going to suggest the same. They fitted an illuminated E to the roof of 8501 and 8504 got an illuminated E below cab windows as a trial to combat this problem. None of the other 85s were modified.
SydneyCider
Chief Train Controller
8606 was recently transferred from Clyde to Enfield for crew training, according to the latest post on the SETS facebook page. It seems the plan is to have 4615 operational sometime early 2019 (according to one of their posts). If this does happen, then just maybe it could be possible to have her haul an electric train to Gosford on 23 January 2020 to celebrate 60 years since electrification to Gosford. The inaugural train was U set, however this would be the next best thing.
While not 8606 or 4615 related, the 86 class wikipedia page claims that 8649, privately owned - ex El Zorro is planned for re-activation in 2019. For quite a few years it was attached to SETS preserved 8501 at Werris Creek as recently as July 2018 but in more recent months it has been detached from 8501. Below is a recent shot of the loco taken on 22 October 2018. Some interesting things happening with the preserved electric locos in NSW.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/greensleeves94/30767637057/
While not 8606 or 4615 related, the 86 class wikipedia page claims that 8649, privately owned - ex El Zorro is planned for re-activation in 2019. For quite a few years it was attached to SETS preserved 8501 at Werris Creek as recently as July 2018 but in more recent months it has been detached from 8501. Below is a recent shot of the loco taken on 22 October 2018. Some interesting things happening with the preserved electric locos in NSW.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/greensleeves94/30767637057/
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